Research

Call for help: Quitlines, phone-based smoking cessation programs, are effective, a new California study suggests.

Researchers at the University of California San Diego followed more than 3,000 adults who called the state's “quit line.” All received self-help materials. Some were automatically offered treatment and others were given the option of calling for counseling if they chose.

Receiving counseling through the quit line effectively doubled abstinence, said lead author Dr. Shu-Hong Zhu.

“Quitting smoking is a difficult thing to do,” Dr. Zhu said. “The reality is that even with a successful program's help, many smokers relapse within a year. We've shown there's a significantly higher probability of long-term success for people who go through a quit line program than those who don't.”

The study was published in the Oct. 3 New England Journal of Medicine.

Help wanted

Drug study: The University of Cincinnati is looking for volunteers to test the effectiveness of new medications to treat depression in the elderly. Information: Cathy at 558-5228.

Tips

Break the mold: The American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology offers these tips for removing mold and easing symptoms of mold exposure (which include a dry cough; irritated eyes, nose and throat; and difficulty breathing):

Clean the area with a solution of water and dish detergent. Wear rubber gloves and a protective mask if your symptoms are severe.

Remove the source of the mold — carpet, sheet rock, drywall, paneling, paper, or anything saturated with water.

Fix leaks in pipes, roofs and basements and remove all standing water.

Use exhaust fans in the bathroom and wipe down the shower after every use. Clean mold-friendly areas periodically with a product that kills mold and mildew. Discard shower curtains that show signs of mold.

Try to keep indoor humidity at 30 percent to 40 percent.

People with mold allergies shouldn't have bedrooms or offices in the basement.

Ventilate damp areas, attics and crawl spaces.

Clean dehumidifiers regularly.

Calendar

Mental health: Thursday is National Depression Screening Day. To find a free, confidential screening site, log on to www. mentalhealthscreening.org or call (800) 520-6373. Sites will also screen for anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorder.

Workshop: The Caregiver Assistance Network will present “Caring Matters” Oct. 30, a daylong conference for family caregivers and professionals who work with caregivers, at Xavier University's Cintas Center in the Schiff Family Conference Center. Cost for family caregivers is $40, which includes lunch. The workshop will emphasize self-care, stress reduction and communication. Registration deadline is Friday.

Information: 929-4483 or 241-7745.

Contact Peggy O'Farrell by phone, 768-8510 ; fax, 768-8330, or e-mail pofarrell@enquirer.com

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